Sherwood put faith in Adebayor when he took the helm and the Togolese has not let his new manager down.

Despite playing only 45 minutes under Andre Villas-Boas, Adebayor has looked sharp since his return, scoring four of the 10 goals Tottenham have scored under their new head coach.

There will be extra motivation for the player to perform well at the Emirates too as he has had a series of run-ins with the Arsenal fans since he left in 2009.

Sherwood believes the Gunners will be dreading the prospect of facing their former star.

"It's huge for us that he is back," Sherwood said. "When Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal players and their fans saw him come off at Old Trafford, I'm sure they were pleased.

"But unfortunately he's going to be walking out against them tomorrow."

Villas-Boas became annoyed at Adebayor's lack of discipline and he was ostracised from the first team.

Sherwood has not had any problems with the striker, though, adding: "I am not going to worry about how he was treated. I am worried about how I treat him now.

"I am certain I will show him the respect he deserves as long as he continues to show that respect to me.

"All I am seeing is that he is a player who is at the top of his game and is ready to give his all for the football club."

Sherwood would regard victory over Arsenal as a bigger achievement than the New Year's Day win at Old Trafford.

His chances of success have been improved by the news that Andros Townsend, Lewis Holtby and Jermain Defoe have all returned to training following their respective injuries, although the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Paulinho and Younes Kaboul are still out.

Sherwood had planned to give his first-team players a rest this weekend, but once the draw was made he changed his mind straight away.

"We would love to have been able to play a lower league team and blood some younger players, but once that name comes out of the hat - Arsenal at the Emirates - it's impossible to do that," he said.

"It's the biggest game possible for this club and it would be fantastic if we could win and perhaps take Tottenham to the final."

Meanwhile, Sherwood professed his admiration for Joleon Lescott, but denied having already held talks with the Tottenham hierarchy over the Manchester City defender - or any other potential transfer targets.

Lescott has been linked with a move away from Manchester City after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

Tottenham and Besiktas have been mentioned as possible destinations for the centre-back, who wants regular first-team football to aid his remote chances of making the England World Cup squad.

When asked about stories linking Lescott with Spurs, manager Sherwood said: "He is a good player, but there are a lot of good players at different clubs. He is at Manchester City at the moment so I can't comment on that."

Having spent £107million in the summer, Tottenham are unwilling to shell out big fees again in January.

The squad at Sherwood's disposal is already huge and he is also committed to giving the youth players he looked after in the development squad a chance.

It is for that reason that he has not met with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Franco Baldini to discuss any potential moves in the current window. It seems only a big player at a knock-down price will be of appeal to the north London club.

"I have not sat down and spoke to (Levy and Baldini)," Sherwood said. "I don't think we need players. We need to get the ones we have fit.

"If there is anyone who springs up who could really make us better - our 11 - then possibly we will go in.

"The club have notoriously backed their managers and I don't think it will be different with me. I really think we will be fine once we have anyone fit."

There has been more talk of departures than arrivals at Spurs.

Erik Lamela has struggled to adapt to the pace of the Barclays Premier League since his £30million move from Roma, but Sherwood looks unlikely to allow him to leave for Atletico Madrid, who reportedly want the player on loan.

"He has not mentioned (going out on loan) to me," Sherwood said of Lamela, who is expected to miss Saturday's game at Arsenal because of a thigh injury.

"He just needs to settle like a lot of the (new signings do). He needs time for me to recognise what he can do, what he can produce and when I get the comfort in him then he will play, but he is injured at the moment."